Adoption records are sealed by statute, and the contents thereof cannot be released without a court order.

Procedures available to adoptees

There are procedures whereby an adult adoptee (age 18 or older), or the parents of a minor adoptee, can petition the Orphans' Court Division for access to either non-identifying or identifying information from their adoption files. The latter information can only be released if the Court successfully locates a birth parent and obtains his or her consent thereto. If the court determines that the birth parent is deceased, the name of the deceased birth parent can be released to the adoptee.

Procedures available to birth parents

Birth parents who placed a child for adoption in Lehigh County may, at any time, file a form indicating their consent to the release of information to the adoptee. Such consent to the release of information may be updated and/or withdrawn at any time.

Questions regarding the procedures for access to adoption information can be directed to the Clerk of the Orphans' Court Division (610) 782-3172 or to the Director of Operations (610) 782-3020.

Foreign Adoption Registration & Forms

Statewide forms and instructions, as well as local Lehigh County requirements, regarding registration of an international adoption (in order to obtain a Pennsylvania birth certificate) will be available online shortly.